5 Takeaways from Brick Memorial vs. Southern
This was as low scoring a game as you will see. Brick Memorial and Southern are two teams that play a slow tempo and zone on defense. Southern scored five points in the first quarter and trailed by eight. They…
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Continue ReadingThis was as low scoring a game as you will see. Brick Memorial and Southern are two teams that play a slow tempo and zone on defense. Southern scored five points in the first quarter and trailed by eight. They bounced back a little and cut into the deficit heading into the half.
Neither team had a double-digit scoring quarter in the second half. Southern trailed by just two heading into the fourth quarter and turned their defense up to another level. They outscored Brick Memorial 8-2 in the final eight minutes to steal a 29-25 victory.
1. The 2-3 Zone was King
Both sides played zone all throughout this game. Even when they applied full-court pressure, they fell back into the zone. This gave the offense fits all night long. Neither side could penetrate the defense. Jake Dombrowski and T.J. McArthur were quick at the top of the Brick Memorial zone. Southern was the side to figure it out first. Ben Ridgway and Noah Wascz were able to catch the ball at the foul line and find Jay Silva down low for the finish.
2. The Three-Point Line was not Friendly
This was a theme for both teams. The one risk of playing a zone is that there will be open shots for the offense. Neither one could hit those shots. Southern finished 3-20 from three-point range and Brick Memorial was 2-11. Dombrowski knocked down both three’s for Brick Memorial. Both teams also combined to go 13-27 from the free throw line in this one.
3. Size was a Factor on Both Sides
Southern and Brick Memorial both featured a strong big man down low. Silva finished with nine points and five rebounds for Southern. He finished 4-5 from the field and made the biggest play down the stretch. Late in the fourth quarter, Silva grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back up to give his team a 28-25 lead. Brick Memorial’s Jeremy Campbell was a dominating force in the first half but got into foul trouble late which took him out of the game.
4. Brick Memorial was in no rush
Brick Memorial built a little cushion early on and it took Southern some time to chip away at the deficit. This was because Brick Memorial was not shy about holding the ball near the top of the key. There was plenty of possessions where a play was called from the sideline for the two guard up top to go back and forth passing the ball. This was an important game and they seemed to want to shorten it, especially with a lead.
5. Southern is very balanced
Southern has built an 11-4 record this season and it is because they are balanced inside and out. Silva is their big threat inside to even out the guard play. Ridgway had an off night shooting but he still knocked down two shots from beyond the arc. Luke Infurna served as the quick guard who could get to the basket at will. This is a disciplined team who is well coached. They have the speed, quickness, and skill to make a run down the stretch.